CONFIDENTIAL
2
suggesting that a "substitute" should take over from him. He would, however, be sounding out opinion in Macau. If he thought that there was great pressure for him to stay on, he might reluctantly be prepared to do so. However, for family reasons he was very anxious to get back to Portugal; he also thought it was time he resumed his normal career. He said that no decision had yet been taken in Lisbon about appointing a successor.
4.
Leandro's revelation that the Chinese handed over a written document in Paris surprised me. I had assumed, as Leandro told me he had, that whatever the Chinese had said was oral and possibly susceptible to misunderstanding on the Portuguese side. It is puzzling and somewhat disturbing that the Chinese have apparently handed over a written communication. I do not think, however, that there is anything more we need do at this stage.
From what Leandro said of his conversations with the President, the previous Prime Minister and Dr Sa Machado, it is clear that they were all very well aware of the British advice to play things coolly. I have, incidentally, had no further comments from the local NCNA about the discrepancy between what they had told me about Chinese intentions and what has actually happened in Paris.
(DC Wilson)
сс RJT McLaren Esq
Hong Kong & General Department
M I Goulding Esq Lisbon
RR Garside Esq Peking
CONFIDENTIAL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.